I've been using craftsman tools for years. Sad that they have been sold. I don't understand why Snap on tools are so expensive. It does not make sense.
That's because they are all warrantied for ever, not just some, ALL, and they come to you
You get what you pay for. With snap on you are getting a better quality for the most part and the warranty is good, though not perfect.
Craftsman warranty was always the best in the industry, "unconditional", and it meant just that.
Snap on, Mac and Matco, the three biggest independents, have conditions on warranties. Snap On wrenches and sockets were not covered for chrome peeling, which was a problem years ago. It was up to the independent retailers to cover the problem for you.
For the longest time snap on was sold only through independent retailers out of trucks that traveled to you. Limited market - maximum price.
And not every tool on the snap on truck was made by snap on. And they have an alternative line with many products, "Blue Point"
If you need a combination wrench at home, occasional use on cars and stuff, it is hard to beat Craftsman for decent quality.
One off wrench for special applications, Northern Hydraulics or harbor freight is hard to beat.
If your career depends on wrenches holding up to daily work, Snap, Mac or Matco are outfits you probably already have an account with.
I was curious about this so I looked up a typical multi piece combination wrench set at 4 vendors.
Northern Hydraulics - Klutch Raised Panel Combination Wrench Set — 14-Pc. SAE - $35.00
harbor freight - 14 Pc SAE V-Groove Combination Wrench Set - $40.00
Craftsman - 14 pc. Standard 12 pt. Combination Wrench Set with Deluxe Roll Pouch - $59.00
Snap On - 11 pc 12-Point Combination Wrench Set (3/8 –1") - $485.00
I have had the jaws spread with less expensive wrenches, never had that problem with my snap on or mac wrenches.
Torque wrenches. My first torque wrench came with my Sears Craftsman tool box set that I bought back in the mid 70's (High School era). That was the old beam style and I have no idea what happened to it.
My first real torque wrench was a 1/2" Drive 200 ft lbs Snap On. After several years I sent it out to be recalibrated, without asking the cost. Oh-my, re-cal cost was almost as much as a new wrench back then.
I still have that wrench along with some specialty torque wrenches, a 150 inch pound dial torque and 200 inch pound click.
I also have two Craftsman electronic torque wrenches (1/2" and 3/8"). And for the money they are excellent.
I still use the sockets from that mid 70's Craftsman tool set, and they were with me through 20+ years at new car dealers and a 1 year stint at Caterpiller, along with an extensive history of cars, trucks, motorcycles and diesel engines in our boats. Have only broken a few and almost always using an impact gun when I should have been using a ratchet wrench